ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the use of computers in the analysis of large structures by the displacement stiffness method. The analysis of framed structures is commonly performed to determine the nodal displacements and the member end-forces. While the nodal displacements are determined in the global directions, the member end-forces are calculated in local directions of the individual members. The input data for computer analysis must be sufficient to define the material and geometric properties of the structure as well as the loading. Two basic units are used: unit of length and unit of force. The chapter also discusses the five types of framed structure are: plane and space trusses with pin joints, plane and space frames with rigid joints, and grids with rigid joints. The data for the geometric properties of a plane truss or a space truss are defined by the following: the modulus of elasticity and the coordinates of the nodes.
